Computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Conflicting research exists on the link between keyboard/mouse use and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
• Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding computer use as a cause of CTS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the relationship between computer use and the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
• To clarify the role of keyboard and mouse usage in the development of CTS.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across multiple databases up to May 2014.
• Twelve studies were included in a random-effects meta-analysis.
• Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed to ensure the robustness of the findings.

Main Results:

• Comparing computer workers to the general population showed an inverse association between computer/typewriter use and CTS.
• However, within office worker populations, increased computer/typewriter use, mouse use, and years of computer work were positively associated with CTS.
• No evidence of publication bias was found in either analysis.

Conclusions:

• The general population is not an appropriate comparison group for assessing computer use and CTS risk.
• Excessive computer use, particularly mouse manipulation, may be a minor occupational risk factor for CTS in office workers.
• Further prospective studies with objective assessments are recommended to confirm these findings.